Postural response and behavioral habits in adolescent girls at public and international schools. An observational case control study

Abstract

Background: The impact of behavioral risk factors, specifically postural habits and the presence of postural changes, has been identified as a significant concern for adolescent females, particularly in public school settings. Purpose: This study aims to conduct a comparative analysis of postural changes, behavioral postures, back pain, and behavioral habits between adolescent females in public and international schools. Methods: A case-control study was executed, involving 200 adolescent females aged 13–17 years. The participants were divided into two groups: Group (A) from public schools and Group (B) from international schools. The evaluation process employed a combination of video and image analysis using Kinovea and the Back Pain and Body Posture Evaluation Instrument. Results: Statistical analysis revealed a lack of significant difference between Groups (A & B) concerning forward head posture (cranio-vertebral angle by Kinova). However, a notable distinction was observed between the groups in terms of back pain, behavioral habits, hereditary factors, and socioeconomic status. Conclusion: While both groups exhibited a prevalence of forward head posture among adolescent females, Group (A) from public schools demonstrated a higher incidence of back pain, associated with behavioral habits, socioeconomic factors, and hereditary influences on back pain. Postural changes and back pain in public schools were attributed to factors such as load, duration of TV watching, lack of exercise, backpack-carrying duration, hereditary factors, and socioeconomic status (parents' education level up to secondary schools).